The High Street Bookmaker: Part Of The Fabric Of National Life Since 1961
Betting on sports and games is part of the fabric of British national life
Betting shops were legalised in 1961. Nowadays, with a betting shop on most high streets, there are approximately 8,500 in Great Britain.
The betting industry is a major employer
Bookmakers directly support about 40,700 full-time jobs and indirectly support a further 62,300 making a total of well over 100,000 employees. The industry offers a high number of jobs to those with few formal qualifications, boosting employment opportunities and skills development.
The betting industry is a big tax payer
Over and above normal business taxes, bookmakers pay general betting duty on their profits. Bookmakers collectively pay £700 million per annum in tax, which is about the same as they make in profits before tax.
The Association of British Bookmakers is the leading trade association for high street bookmakers.
Sets out the ABB’s position on issues that affect our industry.
Read the latest news and features from the ABBSocial Responsibility
ABB members are mindful of their responsibilities to the communities within which they operate.
